Chapter 7 StarFleet Admiralty, Earth.
High Admiral Aurora Stern had no word yet from the Hipparcos.
I've spent my life preparing for interstellar war. Now this. Did you fight the good fight Commander Roan? Are you in an escape ship or a fighting pod? Have you been captured? No, you wouldn't allow that to happen. The Capricorni Alliance is led by the Shadow. No one knows much about him, except that he uses some sort of mind control on his followers.
"Admiral Stern . . ."
"Yes, what is it, Ensign?
"Councilor Rygar request the pleasure of your company."
"Tell Councilor Rygar I am engaged with preparations for the resupply convoy to Mu Arae. He will have to wait."
"That won't be necessary. Please leave us, Ensign," said Councilor Rygar from the doorway.
"Ensign, disregard the Councilor's request. Councilor Rygar, around here I give the orders. And I am about ready to order you to leave. Please note, Ensign, that while an Admiral needs to be accountable to and to take orders from the Council, no single Councilor has authority to issue any commands. In fact, Councilor Rygar has no authority here to command himself out the door."
"You know, Admiral Stern sarcasm is the lowest form of wit
"But the highest form of intelligence."
"Oscar Wilde, an ancient who keeps be quoted a millennium after his demise. If we all could be so lucky."
"No sarcasm intended, Councilor Rygar. You simply must go. You know I value your advice. I will call upon you when I need it."
"I'm not here in that capacity. I simply want to help a constitute."
"One out of hundreds of millions? That I find hard to believe . . ."
"This is a simple request. I would like you to place an astronavigator on one of the ships."
"This is highly unusual Councilor Rygar and does not follow the proper protocols . . . much like your visit. I cannot help you."
"Admiral Stern, I admire that by-the-book quality in you. But understand, this request came from the Comptroller of the StarLine. There're big campaign contributors . . . need I say more?"
"You've already said too much. I will consider it."
"Thank you, Admiral Stern. I knew I could count on you."
"I am not promising anything. I only said I would consider it."
"Ah . . . ready to engage in a little negotiations. Of course. That I understand."
"Councilor Rygar, if you believe you can bride me, you are sadly mistaken. That is still a capital offence."
"Of course not, Admiral Stern. A bad choice of words on my part. Please forgive me."
"Thank you for your time, Councilor Rygar. Have a safe return trip."
"Yes, I must be going. Thank you for hearing me out. His civvie number is B74A 100A 2A47 FF33. We've kept him under surveillance for some time. If he turns out to be any trouble, do let me know."
"I'd prefer his name."
"Bisher, Egon Bisher."
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